Author: General Ops

  • Collector’s Guide: Super Rod (BREAKthrough #149)

    Super Rod (BREAKthrough 149) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Super Rod is an Uncommon Trainer card from the BREAKthrough set, numbered 149. It offers a reliable way to recycle Pokémon and basic Energy from the discard pile, underscoring the tactical depth of the BREAKthrough expansion.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 149 Uncommon Toyste Beach
    • Card ID: xy8-149
    • Stage: Item
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Subtypes: Item
    • Series: XY
    • Set Code: xy8
    • Pokémon: Super Rod
    • Illustrator: Toyste Beach
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Abilities/Attacks: None
    • Rules Text: Shuffle 3 in any combination of Pokémon and basic Energy cards from your discard pile into your deck. You may play as many Item cards as you like during your turn (before your attack).
    • Image URL: /images/xy8/xy8-149.jpg

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Super Rod appears in the BREAKthrough set (xy8) as card number 149. It is classified as an Uncommon card and features artwork by Toyste Beach. No other print variants are documented for this specific card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Super Rod card. Identification is straightforward via its set code (xy8), card number (149), and the distinctive illustration by Toyste Beach.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data. Its rules text allows players to shuffle three cards from their discard pile into their deck and to play multiple Item cards during their turn before attacking.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve to prevent scuffs and edge wear.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Maintaining clean surfaces and sharp edges helps retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): Super Rod appears as an Uncommon Item card with practical gameplay utility and clean artwork by Toyste Beach. It fits well within the XY series’ focus on strategic deck management.
    • No other sets or reprints are known for this exact card printing.

    Super Rod (BREAKthrough) #149

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Super Rod BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Super Rod (BREAKthrough) #149

  • Collector’s Guide: Vivillon (BREAKthrough #15)

    Vivillon BREAKthrough Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Vivillon from the BREAKthrough set is a Rare Holo card numbered 15. It features 120 HP and the ability Energy Color, adding strategic depth to gameplay. Its attack, Sleep Powder, offers a tactical advantage by potentially putting opponents to sleep.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 15 Rare Holo 120 Mizue
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Spewpa)
    • Ability: Energy Color — allows a coin flip once per turn to attach a basic Energy from the deck if heads
    • Attack: Sleep Powder — deals 60 damage and puts the opponent’s Active Pokémon to sleep
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Flavor Text: The patterns on this Pokémon’s wings depend on the climate and topography of its habitat. It scatters colorful scales.
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the XY BREAKthrough set printing, card number 15, which is a Rare Holo variant illustrated by Mizue. The card’s unique ability and attack make it a notable choice for collectors interested in the XY series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing. Identification is straightforward by the set code “xy8” and card number “15.” The card’s holofoil finish and Mizue’s signature art style help distinguish it from other Vivillon cards.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data.

    Play Notes

    Its strategic ability to search for basic Energy and the Sleep Powder attack provide interesting tactical options, though tournament play status is unclear.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s holofoil surface and vibrant artwork, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card by using rigid top loaders or binders with individual pockets. Proper storage will maintain both its aesthetic appeal and potential collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): This set introduced Vivillon as a Rare Holo Stage 2 card with a unique Energy Color ability and a sleep-inducing attack. It is part of the XY series, known for its diverse Pokémon and dynamic gameplay mechanics. The set’s focus on evolution lines and powerful abilities is exemplified by this Vivillon card.

    This Vivillon printing from BREAKthrough is a vivid and collectible piece for fans of the Grass-type and the XY era.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Vivillon BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Vivillon (BREAKthrough) #15

  • Collector’s Guide: Town Map (BREAKthrough #150)

    Town Map (BREAKthrough 150) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Town Map is an uncommon Trainer Item from the BREAKthrough set, numbered 150. Its effect reveals your Prize cards for the rest of the game, making it a straightforward tool for planning. Collectors appreciate its simple, strategic role and clean presentation.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 150 Uncommon Toyste Beach
    • Card Number: 150
    • Set: BREAKthrough (xy8)
    • Card Type: Item
    • Stage: Item
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Abilities/Attacks: None
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Flavor Text: Unknown

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in BREAKthrough (xy8) as card number 150. It is an uncommon Item card illustrated by Toyste Beach. No other print variants are documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants. Identifiers include the set code “xy8-150” and its classification as an Item card within the BREAKthrough series.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    Rules text: “Turn all of your Prize cards face up. (Those Prize cards remain face up for the rest of the game.) | You may play as many Item cards as you like during your turn (before your attack).”

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface to maintain its collectible value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): Town Map serves as a useful strategic Item card, allowing players to reveal their Prize cards and play multiple Items per turn. This printing is the only known version and is valued for its clear rules text and distinctive Toyste Beach illustration.

    Town Map (BREAKthrough) #150

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Town Map BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Town Map (BREAKthrough) #150

  • Collector’s Guide: Burning Energy (BREAKthrough #151)

    Burning Energy (BREAKthrough 151) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Burning Energy is an Uncommon Special Energy from the BREAKthrough set, numbered 151. This vibrant card channels the intensity of Fire-type Pokémon and is appreciated by collectors for its distinctive 5ban Graphics artwork and tactical utility.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 151 Uncommon 5ban Graphics
    • Card ID: xy8-151
    • Stage: Special
    • Subtypes: Special
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Evolves From: None
    • Types: None
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None

    Key Printings

    The only known printing of Burning Energy is in BREAKthrough (set code xy8), numbered 151. It is illustrated by 5ban Graphics and classified as an Uncommon card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are known. It is identified by set code xy8 and card number 151. Its Special subtype and distinctive rules text also set it apart from other Energy cards.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    • Can be attached only to Fire Pokémon.
    • Provides Fire Energy only while attached to a Fire Pokémon.
    • If discarded by an attack of the Fire Pokémon it is attached to, it can be reattached from the discard pile after attacking.
    • If attached to anything other than a Fire Pokémon, it must be discarded.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Special Energy with unique rules, store Burning Energy in protective sleeves to preserve its 5ban Graphics artwork. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain condition, especially if you rely on it in Fire-type decks.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): Debuted Burning Energy as a tactical Special Energy for Fire Pokémon, enhancing strategies with its post-attack reattachment ability. The set showcases dynamic artwork across the board, with Burning Energy standing out for both utility and design.

    Burning Energy

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Burning Energy BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Burning Energy (BREAKthrough) #151

  • Collector’s Guide: Rainbow Energy (BREAKthrough #152)

    Rainbow Energy (BREAKthrough 152) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Rainbow Energy is an uncommon card from the BREAKthrough set, numbered 152. This vibrant Energy card adds versatile support to any deck and offers collectors a colorful addition without the rarity of more elusive cards.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 152 Uncommon 5ban Graphics
    • Card Number: 152
    • Card Name: Rainbow Energy
    • Set Code: xy8
    • Stage: Special
    • Subtypes: Special
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Provides Colorless Energy and, while in play, counts as every type of Energy but only provides 1 Energy at a time.
    • When attached from hand, it places 1 damage counter on the Pokémon it is attached to.

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Rainbow Energy is from the BREAKthrough set (xy8), numbered 152. This printing is the only known version and features the original 5ban Graphics illustration.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “xy8” and the card number “152.” The card’s special subtype and unique rules text distinguish it from other Energy cards.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • Rainbow Energy provides versatile Energy support by counting as every type while in play but only provides one Energy at a time. Attaching it from your hand places a damage counter on the Pokémon, a strategic consideration in gameplay.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid 5ban Graphics artwork and maintain card condition, store Rainbow Energy in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity, careful handling will help retain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): Introduced Rainbow Energy as a special Energy card with multi-type capabilities and a unique drawback, adding strategic depth to Energy management in the XY series.

    Rainbow Energy

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Rainbow Energy BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Rainbow Energy (BREAKthrough) #152

  • Collector’s Guide: Houndoom-EX (BREAKthrough #153)

    Houndoom-EX (BREAKthrough 153) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Houndoom-EX from the BREAKthrough set is a Rare Ultra Basic Pokémon-EX with 170 HP. Featuring the powerful attack Grand Flame, card number 153 stands out in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 153 Rare Ultra 170 Ryo Ueda
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Melting Horn: Discards the top 2 cards of your opponent’s deck (cost: 1 Fire Energy)
    • Grand Flame: Deals 50 damage and attaches a Fire Energy from your discard pile to one of your Benched Pokémon (cost: 2 Fire Energy)
    • Pokémon-EX Rule: When knocked out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards
    • Illustrator: Ryo Ueda
    • Image: Houndoom-EX

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Houndoom-EX appears in the BREAKthrough set as card number 153. Classified as a Rare Ultra, it is a notable find for collectors focusing on the XY series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are documented for this card. It is uniquely identified by its set code “xy8-153” and the illustrator Ryo Ueda’s signature style. The card’s lack of a regulation mark and unknown release date further distinguish it within the BREAKthrough set.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    Players should note the Pokémon-EX rule applies: when Houndoom-EX is knocked out, the opponent takes 2 Prize cards. This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    In play, Melting Horn disrupts opponents by discarding two cards from the top of their deck, while Grand Flame deals 50 damage and accelerates a Fire Energy from your discard pile to a Benched Pokémon.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain condition, store Houndoom-EX in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unknown release date, careful handling is recommended to retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): Houndoom-EX debuts as a powerful Fire-type EX Pokémon with disruptive and energy-recycling attacks, adding strategic depth to the set’s lineup.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Houndoom-EX BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Houndoom-EX (BREAKthrough) #153

  • Collector’s Guide: M Houndoom-EX (BREAKthrough #154)

    M Houndoom-EX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    M Houndoom-EX from the BREAKthrough set brings a sturdy 210 HP to the table and showcases the fiery attack Inferno Fang. As card number 154 and a Rare Ultra, it stands out for its vivid design, MEGA presence, and strong Fire-type pressure.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 154 Rare Ultra 210 5ban Graphics
    • Pokémon: M Houndoom-EX
    • Stage: MEGA, EX
    • Type: Fire
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Evolves From: Houndoom-EX
    • Attack: Inferno Fang (80+ damage; discard all Fire Energy attached to this Pokémon to do 80 more damage)
    • Rules: Mega Evolution rule ends your turn when played; Pokémon-EX rule grants opponent 2 Prize cards if knocked out.
    • Image URL: /images/xy8/xy8-154.jpg

    Key Printings

    This guide covers the BREAKthrough printing, card number 154, illustrated by 5ban Graphics. As a Rare Ultra with high HP and a hard-hitting attack, it’s a standout Mega Evolution from the XY era.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “xy8” and the card number “154.” The card is classified under the subtypes MEGA and EX, with no additional resistances or abilities.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    – The Mega Evolution rule applies, ending your turn upon evolving.
    – The Pokémon-EX rule awards your opponent two Prize cards if this Pokémon is knocked out.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Preserve the vibrant artwork and condition by storing M Houndoom-EX in a protective sleeve, away from sunlight and moisture. Given its Rare Ultra status, consider a top loader or a rigid-page binder for long-term protection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): Introduced M Houndoom-EX as a powerful Mega Evolution with a high HP pool and a strong Fire-type attack. The set is known for dynamic artwork and impactful EX and Mega EX cards.
    • Other sets and reprints for this card are unknown.

    M Houndoom-EX (BREAKthrough) #154

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG M Houndoom-EX BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    M Houndoom-EX (BREAKthrough) #154

  • Collector’s Guide: Glalie-EX (BREAKthrough #155)

    Glalie-EX (BREAKthrough 155) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Glalie-EX from the BREAKthrough set is a Rare Ultra Basic Pokémon-EX with 170 HP and the standout attack Instant Freeze. Numbered 155 in the set, it combines bold, icy visuals with attacks that pressure both damage output and hand-size management.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 155 Rare Ultra 170 Ryo Ueda
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Metal ×2
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Ice Breath: Flip a coin; if heads, the opponent’s Active Pokémon is Paralyzed.
    • Instant Freeze: Does 50 damage plus 100 more if you have the same number of cards in hand as your opponent.
    • Pokémon-EX Rule: When knocked out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Glalie-EX is from the BREAKthrough set, card number 155. This Rare Ultra card is notable for its high HP and dual attack options that blend disruption and damage potential.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known variants or alternate printings. It can be identified by its set code “xy8-155,” the Water type symbol, and the illustrator credit to Ryo Ueda. The card features no special regulation mark.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.

    • Remember the Pokémon-EX rule: when Glalie-EX is knocked out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
    • Retreat Cost 3 and Metal ×2 Weakness are key considerations when building around it.
    • Instant Freeze rewards careful hand-size parity to unlock the extra 100 damage.
    • Ice Breath offers a coin-flip Paralysis option that can buy a crucial turn.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the card in a sleeve and keep it out of direct sunlight and moisture. Handle gently to avoid bending or surface scratches that can reduce collector appeal.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough: Introduced Glalie-EX as a powerful Water-type Basic EX with versatile attacks and a high HP pool, adding a rare and visually compelling card to the set’s lineup.

    Glalie-EX

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Glalie-EX BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Glalie-EX (BREAKthrough) #155

  • Collector’s Guide: M Glalie-EX (BREAKthrough #156)

    M Glalie-EX (BREAKthrough 156) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    M Glalie-EX from BREAKthrough is a Rare Ultra with 220 HP. Its signature attack, Cryo Mouth, makes it a standout for collectors. Numbered 156, it pairs striking design with strong gameplay potential.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 156 Rare Ultra 220 5ban Graphics
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: MEGA, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Metal ×2
    • Attacks: Cryo Mouth (100+ damage; does 150 more damage if M Glalie-EX has 10 or more damage counters)
    • Rules: Mega Evolution rule ends your turn when this Pokémon evolves; Pokémon-EX rule grants opponent 2 Prize cards if knocked out.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the exact printing of M Glalie-EX from the BREAKthrough set, card number 156. It is a Rare Ultra card illustrated by 5ban Graphics, notable for its high HP and impactful attack. No other printings or reprints are documented for this specific card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “xy8” and the card number “156.” The card is part of the XY series and carries the subtypes MEGA and EX. The market reference query is “M Glalie-EX BREAKthrough 156.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data.
    • The Mega Evolution and Pokémon-EX rules apply when using this card in gameplay.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store M Glalie-EX in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and high HP, handle it carefully to avoid damage to edges and corners.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): Introduced M Glalie-EX as a powerful Water-type Mega Evolution with a high HP pool and a conditional high-damage attack. This set is known for its Rare Ultra cards and dynamic artwork by 5ban Graphics. Release date is unknown.

    M Glalie-EX (BREAKthrough) #156

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG M Glalie-EX BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    M Glalie-EX (BREAKthrough) #156

  • Collector’s Guide: Mewtwo-EX (BREAKthrough #157)

    Mewtwo-EX (BREAKthrough 157) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Mewtwo-EX from the BREAKthrough set is a Rare Ultra card featuring 170 HP. This striking Pokémon wields the powerful attack Psyburn. It holds the number 157 in the set, making it a notable addition for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 157 Rare Ultra 170 Ryo Ueda
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Photon Wave: Deals 30 damage and reduces damage from the Defending Pokémon’s next attack by 30.
    • Psyburn: Deals 120 damage with no additional effects listed.
    • Pokémon-EX Rule: When knocked out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown

    Key Printings

    This printing is from the BREAKthrough set, card number 157, classified as a Rare Ultra. It features unique artwork by Ryo Ueda that captures Mewtwo’s intense psychic power.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “xy8” and the card ID “xy8-157”. The card is a Basic EX Pokémon with Psychic typing and no listed abilities.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • Based on the provided data, this card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • Remember the Pokémon-EX rule: when Mewtwo-EX is knocked out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards—an important factor in deck strategy.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain condition, store this Mewtwo-EX in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching to retain its value as a Rare Ultra collectible.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): Introduced Mewtwo-EX as a powerful Basic EX Pokémon with a balance of offense and defense. High HP and impactful attacks make it a notable pick for collectors and players alike.

    Mewtwo-EX BREAKthrough 157

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Mewtwo-EX BREAKthrough.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Mewtwo-EX (BREAKthrough) #157